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What to Consider When Purchasing a Boat

Posted on Thursday, April 7, 2016

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March 01, 2016

What to Consider When Purchasing a Boat

The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the open water in front of you. Sound appealing? Then you might want to join the ranks of boat owners all over the country. But before you cut through that clear blue, there are some things to keep in mind. Whether you're buying a fishing boat, cabin cruiser, pontoon or speed boat, different components like cost, horsepower, weight capacity or onboard storage may prove to be more important to you than others.

Answer these questions before going boat shopping:

Use

What are you hoping to use your boat for? All boat styles have a different design tailored to the use. Speed boats may be better for tubing and water skiing, but wouldn't hold as many people or be as fish-accessible as a pontoon or fishing boat. Maybe you're in the market for a sailboat, or leaning towards a houseboat. There are so many different varieties of boats, somake an informed decisionon which one is right for you (information provided by Discover Boating).

Cost

What's your budget? This may help decide whether to purchase a pre-owned boat. According toDiscover Boating, new boats depreciate anywhere between 25%-33% immediately after leaving the dealer's lot. So if you buy a pre-owned boat, someone else has already paid that depreciation cost - more boat for fewer dollars! However, buying a new boat will offer a warranty, the newest technology, and that nice shiny look as you move across the water - the choice is up to you!

Capacity

How many people are you hoping to go on your boating excursions with? The capacity on personal fishing boats is generally smaller than a pontoon boat, which are made to hold anywhere between 8-15 adults comfortably.

Equipment

What type of equipment will you want onboard? Here's some suggestions:

Trolling Motor

Lights

Depth finder

Live well

GPS

Canopy/bimini

Stereo

Tables

Emergency survival kit

Fire extinguisher

Towing

Will your car be able to tow the new boat? According toAuto Bytel, the average 21-foot boat trailer weighs between 500 and 1,000 pounds, while most boats in this size range hover in the 4,000-5,000 pound range. This means that you'll want an SUV or truck that is rated to tow between 4,500-6,000 pounds in total.

Storage Limitations

Will your new boat fit in your garage during the off season? Alongside your garage? In a separate storage space?

And a few other components to consider...

Horsepower

Engine Type

Hull (Deep V, Modified V, Pontoon, etc.)

Storage Onboard

No matter what you decide, get out there, matey, and enjoy the open seas!